The latest Nintendo Switch system update is version 23.5.0, released by Nintendo on 9 November 2026. It applies to all three models: the original Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED. Nintendo describes what each version changes in its official release notes, and you’ll find a summary below.
Current version: 23.5.0
Released: 9 November 2026
Release notes: Nintendo’s official pageWe update this page with every new version.
What version 23.5.0 changed
Version 23.5.0 came out on 9 November 2026, and Nintendo’s release notes list two changes:
- Support for an upcoming feature that lets you gift Nintendo eShop products to a member of your Nintendo Account family group. It will be available after a Nintendo eShop update scheduled for 17 November 2026.
- General adjustments and fixes to improve the user experience.
What version 23.0.1 changed
This is a pure bug-fix release. Nintendo lists one change: it fixes an issue from version 23.0.0 where software occasionally took a long time to start, pause or close.
Nintendo lists the newest version on its System Update Information page. If you want the current number, check there.
What version 23.0.0 added
The September update, 23.0.0 from 9 September 2026, brought three changes:
- Virtual Game Cards get a new “Settings” option.
- If a virtual game card can’t be ejected from another console because that console is turned off, the Switch offers to start the game with an online licence instead. Only the person who bought the game can play this way.
- A security vulnerability was fixed.
How to check which version you have
On the HOME Menu, open System Settings and scroll all the way down to System. The version number is shown under System Update. If it says 23.5.0, you’re up to date.
How to update your Switch
The console needs to be connected to the internet. Then:
- Open System Settings on the HOME Menu.
- Scroll down and select System.
- Select System Update. The console checks whether a new version is available and downloads it.
If the update fails, Nintendo recommends restarting the console: hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds, select Power Options, then Restart. After that, try again.
Maintenance Mode: when the update fails from System Settings
If the update in System Settings keeps failing even after a restart, use Maintenance Mode. Nintendo recommends it for exactly the case where a normal update doesn’t work.
- Turn the console fully off. Sleep Mode isn’t enough. If the console doesn’t respond, hold the POWER Button for 12 seconds.
- Press and hold both the volume + and − buttons.
- Press the POWER Button once.
- Keep holding the volume buttons until the Maintenance Mode menu appears.
- Select Update System.
If parental controls are on, the console may ask for the parental controls PIN. Nintendo describes the process on its Maintenance Mode page too.
Updating the dock
Dock firmware can only be updated on the dock with a LAN port, model HEG-007, which comes with the Switch OLED. Put the console in it and go to System Settings > System > Update Dock > Begin Update. Other docks can’t be updated.
Nintendo Switch system version history
Nintendo publishes the release dates itself. Where Nintendo lists a notable change, we note it. A dash means the details are in Nintendo’s history. Newest first.
| Version | Released | What it changed |
|---|---|---|
| 23.5.0 | 9 November 2026 | Groundwork for gifting eShop products within a family group, general fixes. |
| 23.0.1 | 30 September 2026 | Fix for slow starting, pausing and closing of software. |
| 23.0.0 | 9 September 2026 | Settings for Virtual Game Cards, online licence launch, security fix. |
| 22.5.0 | 15 June 2026 | New eShop look, PIN for the eShop, ±10 s skip in videos. |
| 22.1.0 | 6 April 2026 | – |
| 22.0.0 | 16 March 2026 | Notes for friends. |
| 21.2.0 | 12 January 2026 | – |
| 21.1.0 | 8 December 2025 | – |
| 21.0.1 | 24 November 2025 | Fix for errors 2011-0301 and 2168-0002 when transferring to Switch 2. |
| 21.0.0 | 10 November 2025 | – |
| 20.5.0 | 29 September 2025 | – |
| 20.4.0 | 1 September 2025 | – |
| 20.3.0 | 28 July 2025 | – |
| 20.2.0 | 14 July 2025 | – |
| 20.1.5 | 18 June 2025 | – |
| 20.1.1 | 2 June 2025 | – |
| 20.1.0 | 27 May 2025 | Minimum version for local transfer to Switch 2. |
| 20.0.1 | 2 May 2025 | – |
| 20.0.0 | 29 April 2025 | Virtual Game Cards, GameShare, transfer to Switch 2. |
Moving to Switch 2
Planning to move to the new console? For a system transfer from Switch to Switch 2 via local communication, the old Switch needs at least version 20.1.0. On the current 23.5.0, you meet that requirement. Our system transfer guide explains how it works, and the article on backward compatibility covers which Switch games run on the new console. We track the new console’s system version on our Switch 2 update page.
Join our Discord and ask other players whether the update or Maintenance Mode worked for them: GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
The latest is 23.5.0, which Nintendo released on 9 November 2026. The official release notes are on Nintendo’s support page, and you can find every version in the history table above.
On its System Update Information page. Older versions and their changes are on the version history page.
We’d recommend it. To update manually, go to System Settings > System > System Update while the console is online. To transfer data to a Switch 2, you need at least version 20.1.0 anyway.
Nintendo doesn’t announce system update dates in advance. We’ll add the new version here as soon as Nintendo releases it.
Use Maintenance Mode: with the console off, hold volume + and −, press POWER and select Update System in the menu. The full steps are above.
Information verified on 10 November 2026. Nintendo guides are in our Nintendo Switch 2 section, and every platform is covered on our console system updates overview.